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How to Pay Meru University of Science & Technology Fees on eCitizen: Everything You Need to Know

  • BY waceke
  • June 3, 2025
Meru University of Science and Technology

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), a leading public institution in Meru County, Kenya, has embraced digital innovation to streamline its fee payment process through the eCitizen platform, using Paybill Number 222222. This aligns with a 2023 Presidential Directive mandating centralized payments for government services. In 2025, MUST’s student portal (https://student.must.ac.ke) integrates seamlessly with eCitizen, offering secure, convenient payment options like M-Pesa, Airtel Money, KCB, Equity Bank, and Pesaflow. This comprehensive guide details the step-by-step process for paying educational charges, explores the fee structure, addresses funding options, and provides tips to ensure a seamless experience for MUST’s 10,000+ students.

Overview of Meru University’s Fee Payment System

Founded in 2013, Meru University of Science and Technology is a hub for innovation, offering programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and health sciences. Its fee payment system, centralized through the eCitizen platform, reflects Kenya’s push for digital governance, mandated by President William Ruto in August 2023 to enhance transparency and efficiency. The student portal serves as a one-stop platform for academic services, including fee payments, unit registration, and financial tracking. Payments are mandatory before registration and examinations, with fees varying by program and sponsorship status. The eCitizen integration, using Paybill 222222, ensures secure transactions and real-time updates, replacing older methods like direct bank accounts and alternative paybills (e.g., 400222).

Why Use the eCitizen Platform for MUST Fee Payments?

The eCitizen platform, gazetted as Kenya’s official digital payment portal in 2022, offers significant benefits for MUST students:

  • Convenience: Pay fees anytime, anywhere, via mobile money or bank channels.
  • Security: Unique Payment Reference Numbers (e.g., EVEMRXX) ensure traceable transactions.
  • Real-Time Tracking: Payments reflect instantly on the student portal.
  • Centralized System: Eliminates errors from multiple paybills, consolidating all government payments.
  • Multiple Payment Methods: Supports M-Pesa, Airtel Money, KCB, Equity, and Pesaflow, with plans to add National Bank and Co-operative Bank.
  • Transparency: A Ksh 50 eCitizen convenience fee is clearly disclosed, separate from university charges.

With over 80% of Kenyan universities adopting eCitizen by 2024, MUST’s system is praised for its user-friendly interface and reliability, per BusinessRadar.co.ke.

Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Fees via eCitizen at Meru University

Follow these detailed steps to pay educational charges through https://student.must.ac.ke, based on MUST’s official guidelines:

  1. Log In to the Student Portal:
    • Visit https://student.must.ac.ke using a browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge).
    • Enter your username (student registration number, e.g., AG001/00001/20) and password. New students receive credentials upon admission; contact ICT support at support@must.ac.ke for issues.
    • Reset forgotten passwords via the “Forgot Password” link, using your registered email or phone.
  2. Navigate to the Fee Payment Section:
    • On the portal dashboard, locate the “Fee Payment” tab.
    • Click “Make Payment” and select the service (e.g., Tuition Fees, Accommodation, Application Fees).
  3. Enter Payment Details:
    • Input the amount to pay, including the Ksh 50 eCitizen convenience fee (e.g., for a Ksh 950 balance, enter Ksh 1,000 without commas).
    • Click “Pay Now” to generate an invoice with a unique Payment Reference Number (e.g., EVEMRXX), replacing the admission number for transactions.
  4. Select Your Preferred Payment Method:
    • Choose from:
      • M-Pesa (STK Push or Paybill).
      • Airtel Money.
      • KCB Cash.
      • Equity Cash.
      • Pesaflow Direct.
    • Note: National Bank and Co-operative Bank options are forthcoming, per MUST’s 2025 announcement.
  5. Complete the Payment:
    • M-Pesa Payment:
      • Via STK Push:
        1. Select M-Pesa; an STK Push notification appears on your phone.
        2. Enter your M-Pesa PIN to authorize (e.g., Ksh 1,000).
        3. Receive a confirmation SMS from M-Pesa.
        4. Click “Complete” on the portal.
      • Manual Paybill:
        1. Go to M-Pesa > Lipa na M-Pesa > Paybill.
        2. Enter Business Number: 222222.
        3. Enter Account Number: Payment Reference Number (e.g., EVEMRXX).
        4. Input the amount (e.g., Ksh 1,000).
        5. Enter your M-Pesa PIN and send.
        6. Receive a confirmation SMS and click “Complete.”
    • KCB Cash Payment:
      1. Visit a KCB branch.
      2. Request an eCitizen cash payment.
      3. Provide the Bill Reference Number (Payment Reference Number) and amount.
      4. Receive a transaction receipt.
      5. Click “Complete” on the portal.
    • Equity Cash Payment:
      1. Visit an Equity Bank branch.
      2. Request an eCitizen cash payment.
      3. Provide the Bill Reference Number and amount.
      4. Receive a receipt and click “Complete.”
    • Airtel Money:
      1. Follow portal prompts to initiate payment.
      2. Enter your Airtel Money PIN to authorize.
      3. Receive a confirmation SMS and click “Complete.”
    • Pesaflow Direct:
      1. Log into your Pesaflow account.
      2. Follow prompts to complete the payment.
      3. Click “Complete” on the portal.
  6. Verify Payment:
    • Payments reflect instantly on the portal under “Fees” or “Financial Statement.”
    • Download receipts for records.
    • Check your registered email for a confirmation from MUST.
    • If the payment doesn’t reflect within 48 hours, email finance@must.ac.ke with the Payment Reference Number and transaction details (e.g., M-Pesa code or bank receipt).

Benefits of the eCitizen Payment System at MUST

The eCitizen platform enhances the payment experience:

  • Speed: Transactions take minutes, compared to hours at bank counters.
  • Accessibility: Available 24/7, ideal for students balancing work or studies.
  • Record-Keeping: Instant receipts and financial statements are downloadable.
  • Multi-Channel Support: Caters to mobile money users (70% of students) and bank clients.
  • Future-Ready: Planned additions like National Bank and Co-operative Bank increase flexibility.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Students may encounter issues with the eCitizen system. Here are solutions:

  • Login Problems:
    • Issue: Invalid credentials or forgotten password.
    • Solution: Use the “Forgot Password” link or contact support@must.ac.ke.
  • Payment Not Reflecting:
    • Issue: Payment made but not updated.
    • Solution: Wait 48 hours, then email finance@must.ac.ke with the Payment Reference Number and proof of payment.
  • STK Push Failures:
    • Issue: M-Pesa STK Push doesn’t appear.
    • Solution: Verify the phone number, ensure network connectivity, or use the manual Paybill (222222).
  • Incorrect Reference Number:
    • Issue: Bank rejects payment due to wrong reference.
    • Solution: Double-check the Payment Reference Number on the portal before paying.
  • Portal Downtime:
    • Issue: Website inaccessible during peak periods.
    • Solution: Try off-peak hours (e.g., midnight) or contact ICT support.

Tips for a Seamless Fee Payment Experience

Optimize your payment process with these tips:

  1. Save the Portal Link: Bookmark https://student.must.ac.ke.
  2. Secure Credentials: Store your registration number and password safely.
  3. Check Balances: Review outstanding fees on the portal before initiating payment.
  4. Prefer M-Pesa: STK Push is fastest and most reliable for instant confirmation.
  5. Include Convenience Fee: Always add Ksh 50 to the payment amount.
  6. Save Receipts: Download and print receipts for future reference.
  7. Pay Early: Clear fees before registration deadlines to avoid exam bans.
  8. Monitor Emails: Check for confirmation emails from MUST.
  9. Contact Support: Email finance@must.ac.ke or call (+254) 799 529 958 for queries, including your reference number.
  10. Use Stable Internet: Ensure a reliable connection to avoid transaction failures.

Funding Options for Meru University Students

Paying fees can be challenging, but several resources support MUST students:

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB):
    • Apply at www.helb.co.ke for loans covering tuition (Ksh 40,000–60,000 annually for GSSPs) and upkeep.
    • Funds are paid directly to MUST’s account via eCitizen.
  • National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF):
    • Apply through local NG-CDF offices for bursaries (Ksh 5,000–20,000 per semester).
  • Meru County Bursaries:
    • Meru County offers bursaries for local students; check www.meru.go.ke or county offices.
  • MUST Scholarships:
    • Merit-based and need-based scholarships are available; apply via the portal or admissions@must.ac.ke.
  • Work-Study Programs:
    • On-campus jobs (e.g., lab assistants) provide stipends; contact the Dean of Students at students@must.ac.ke.
  • Private Sponsorships:
    • NGOs like Equity Bank’s Wings to Fly or KCB Foundation fund needy students; apply via their websites.
  • Personal or Family Savings:
    • Use M-Pesa savings or chamas to accumulate funds.

Comparison with Other Kenyan Universities’ Payment Systems

MUST’s eCitizen system compares favorably:

  • Chuka University:
    • Portal: https://portal.chuka.ac.ke.
    • Uses eCitizen Paybill 222222 with M-Pesa STK Push and bank options.
    • Slightly more bank integrations (Co-op Bank already active) than MUST’s current setup.
  • University of Nairobi (UoN):
    • Portal: smis.uonbi.ac.ke.
    • Lacks STK Push, relying on manual Paybill entries, with slower updates (up to 72 hours).
  • Kenyatta University (KU):
    • Portal: portal.ku.ac.ke.
    • Supports eCitizen but has a less intuitive interface, per student feedback.
  • Mount Kenya University (MKU):
    • Portal: studentportal.mku.ac.ke.
    • Uses a separate Paybill (4075677), not eCitizen, limiting government integration.

MUST’s system excels in real-time updates and mobile money integration, though it awaits additional bank options.

Challenges in University Fee Payment Systems

Kenya’s digital payment systems face hurdles:

  • Digital Access: Rural students lack reliable internet or smartphones, per a 2024 Tuko.co.ke report.
  • Transaction Fees: The Ksh 50 eCitizen fee adds up for multiple payments.
  • System Overload: Peak registration periods strain portals, causing delays.
  • Fraud Risks: Phishing scams target student credentials, as noted in 2024.
  • Fee Arrears: Over 25% of students face delays, risking exam bans, per HELB’s 2024 data.

MUST addresses these with robust ICT support and multiple payment channels.

Opportunities for Improvement

MUST can enhance its system by:

  • Expanding Payment Options: Fast-track National Bank and Co-operative Bank integration.
  • Offline Solutions: Set up on-campus M-Pesa agents for rural students.
  • AI Support: Deploy chatbots for 24/7 query resolution.
  • Flexible Installments: Formalize payment plans for self-sponsored students.
  • Cybersecurity Training: Educate students on avoiding scams via workshops.

Case Study: A Student’s Fee Payment Experience

John, a first-year B.Sc. Agriculture student, needed to pay Ksh 34,000 for his first semester in 2025. He logged into https://student.must.ac.ke, selected “Tuition Fees,” and entered Ksh 34,050 (including the Ksh 50 fee). Using M-Pesa STK Push, he paid Ksh 20,000 (from HELB) and the balance via KCB, using the generated Payment Reference Number (EVEMRXX). Both payments reflected instantly, and John downloaded receipts, ensuring he could register for units. His experience underscores the eCitizen system’s efficiency.

Meru University’s eCitizen-based fee payment system is a model of digital innovation in 2025, offering convenience, security, and flexibility. By logging into https://student.must.ac.ke, selecting a payment method, and using Paybill 222222, students can pay fees, leveraging M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or banks. Despite challenges like digital access, funding options like HELB and bursaries ease the burden. For a seamless experience, pay early, save receipts, and contact finance@must.ac.ke for support. Visit the portal today to manage your educational charges and focus on your academic success at MUST.